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adMISSION POSSIBLE® TIP! Some students use The Common Application space, “Additional Information…” to upload a copy of their activities resume. See Guide 8, Your Activities Resume, for how to put together an effective resume.
Here is a process for deciding what to put into an Activities grid:
1. Go to your Activities Resume and identify your most important activities.
2. Choose those experiences in which you have
• founded, initiated or demonstrated remarkable leadership
• held offices or assumed major responsibilities
• shown a long-term talent or interest, perhaps going back many years before high school
Typical entries into an Activities Grid might look like this:
| Activity |
Descrip. of Activity |
Grade Level |
Positions Held, Honors Won |
Hrs Per Wk |
Wks Per Yr |
Community Service Bd |
Bd plans and offers activities on and off campus |
11,12 |
Secretary; Presidential Certificate |
6 |
40 |
Varsity Tennis |
Practice and play high school and
Competitively |
9,10,11,12 |
Most Inspirational player |
20 |
46 |
Independent Artist |
Take private lessons, draw and paint |
9,10,11,12 |
Blue Ribbon, County Fair |
5 |
52 |
| Art |
Teach disadvantaged students art
|
9, 12 |
Assistant to art teacher |
2 |
40 |
Volunteer And Community Service Grids
Colleges want people on their campuses who not only take advantage of all the resources they offer, but who are also willing to give back. The best prediction of whether a student will be a giver in the future is to look at how he or she has given in the past. Therefore, colleges pay attention to students who identify community service on their activity lists.
Admissions people particularly like when students do their community service voluntarily, rather than as a high school requirement. It goes without saying that more rather than fewer hours is useful, as well as commitment to an activity over a longer rather than a shorter period of time. It is also helpful for students to convey that their experiences have helped them to grow as a person or learn something new.
It will not be lost on admissions staffs if middle class and privileged students demonstrate their concern for others by participating in community service projects.
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